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Raised crosswalks bring the level of the roadway to that of the sidewalk, forcing vehicles to slow before passing over the crosswalk and providing a level pedestrian path of travel from curb to curb. Raised crosswalks can be located at intersections or mid block. At intersection locations, the raised area can be extended to include the entire intersection.

Process Overview

Raised crosswalks are typically installed as part of a traffic calming project or other public or private initiative. They are often installed when the City makes alleyway improvements at the intersection of an alley with a major street.

Traffic calming devices require approval by an SFMTA hearing officer. Additionally, if the project would result in a change to certain parking or traffic designations, it may require approval by the SFMTA Board.

Where low-volume streets intersect with high-volume streets, such as at alley entrances, neighborhood residential streets, and local access lanes of multi-way boulevards

Where a street changes its function or street type. For example, a commercial throughway may become a neighborhood commercial or a residential street as the land uses along it change

At key civic locations

Raised crosswalks should not be used on designated transit routes or where there are steep grades or sharp curves.

Raised crosswalks should:

Be flush with the sidewalk in height, and at least the width of the crossing or intersection

Be long enough in the direction of travel to allow both front and rear wheels of a passenger vehicle to be on top of the table at the same time – typically 10 feet. Specific lengths should be determined by using the ITE/FHWA document Traffic Calming: State of the Practice

Be instituted in combination with special paving treatments as discussed above, or use the same material as that of adjacent sidewalks

Provide detectable warnings where pedestrians will cross into the vehicle area

Be designed such that the vertical transition does not cause unnecessary jarring or discomfort to vehicle passengers with spinal cord injuries when driven over at the appropriate speed

Maintenance

With some exceptions, fronting property owners are responsible for the on-going maintenance and upkeep of sidewalk paving as well as all sidewalk elements directly fronting their property, such as trees, landscaping, and streetscape furnishings. Generally, the City is responsible to maintain roadway paving and other features in the roadway, such as medians.

DISCLAIMER: This website is intended as a guide to facilitate the making of street improvements in San Francisco. It is not a replacement for the formal permit process. Project sponsors must still obtain all relevant permits and follow all applicable standards and regulations.